It is never a welcome situation to be in a car accident. However, it happens and when it does, it is always good to remember that you can claim from the insurance company, whether yours or the insurer of the other party in the accident.
Depending on the coverage of the insurance and the documentary evidence you will submit when filing for a personal injury (PI) claim, you can get as much as the actual amount of damages as well as other non-economic damages that may be the result of the car accident.
If you are involved in a mishap caused by someone who did not use a turn signal, you should immediately file a claim. It is however important to consider several things prior to filing such as those that are provided here.
Potential Damages and Injuries from the Car Crash
Damages due to a car accident resulting from the failure of one party to use a turn signal may vary in extent. It could be as minor as scratched paint or broken side mirrors, window, windshield or headlights/backlights.
However, the car may also require major repairs if the vehicles involved are moving fast or reckless.
It is vital to acquire the services of a trustworthy repair assessment from a quality provider not only to get an accurate value of the damage to the car but also to make sure that it will be safe when driven back on the road.
It is also probable, as part of the claim process, that the insurance company will assign an adjuster to ensure the thorough estimate and inspection of the damages to the car and its repair.
However, only when you authorize the repair, based on the insurance company’s assessment of the extent of damages, will repair of the vehicle begin.
Importance of Determining Fault
A vital thing to do when involved in a car accident is the determination of fault. Filing for a claim against someone who did not use a turn signal makes it easier for you to prove the other driver’s fault. This is because in most states, the use of turn signals, also called “directionals,” is not optional, it is the law.
Michigan’s Vehicle Code, for instance, provides that vehicle or bicycle drivers, “before stopping or turning from a direct line, shall first see that the stopping or turning can be made in safety and shall give a signal as required in this section.”
New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law, particularly Article 28, Section 1163 provides instructions on the vehicle’s turning movements and required signals. In Indiana, drivers are likewise required by law to use turn signals every time they turn or change lanes. Section 315.155 of Florida Statutes provides the times when the use of turn signals are required.
To make sure your claim is strong, it is best to determine the existing laws pertaining to turn signals in the state where the accident occurred and use it to prove the other driver’s fault. Failure to show liability may cause your claim to fail.
To find out more on how to start a personal injury claim click here.
Consulting with a Personal Injury Attorney
It would be a wise move to consult a PI attorney to handle your claim against someone who did not use a turn signal. He would know what to look for to establish the other driver’s fault.
He or she can also increase the odds of making you successful with your claim as he can ensure completeness of the supporting documents in the PI claim and communicate professionally with the insurance representatives.
Take our free case evaluation to speak with a personal injury attorney in your area today.
